Pakistani Media: Secret Kabul-Delhi Ties Halt Istanbul Peace Talks

DID Press: The second round of peace talks between the Taliban and Pakistani representatives in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, ended after 18 hours without agreement, reported Pakistani media outlets.

Sources said deep divisions over handling Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were central to the talks’ failure. Kashmir English reported the Taliban initially agreed to Islamabad’s proposal for joint counterterrorism measures but later reversed course after “direct instructions from Kabul.” The outlet cited diplomatic sources blaming India’s growing influence in Kabul for the Taliban’s retreat.

Pakistani sources added that Kabul opposed commitments that could ease Islamabad’s security concerns. Turkish and Qatari mediators reportedly described Kabul’s recommendations as “illogical and impractical.”

Reuters noted the setback comes amid a surge of deadly clashes in October. A Pakistani security official said the Taliban “refused to formally commit to preventing TTP activity in Afghanistan,” while an Afghan source said the Taliban delegation “has no control over TTP operations” and did not accept responsibility for recent attacks against Pakistani forces.

Border tensions have escalated since the talks failed. Pakistani airstrikes targeted TTP leaders in Afghanistan, prompting Taliban attacks on several Pakistani military posts. Islamabad reported five soldiers and at least 25 militants killed.

Despite the impasse, Pakistani sources said Islamabad and mediators remain committed to continuing talks, with a final round planned, described as “the last chance to break the deadlock.”